LED displays are versatile interfaces that come in a wide range of designs adapted for various functions. From smart cities, air-time flight information, these displays are found in virtually every industry.
Today, we will explore some practical applications of LED displays in different industries.
What is an LED Display?
This is a panel screen, typically flat, that relies on light-emitting diodes, which function as pixels, and is used to generate texts, images, as well as videos.
Electric current triggers the diode to emit bright light, which is especially advantageous for outdoor applications. Images can be seen even in bright sunlight or artificial lighting.
Common LED display applications
Public Information
1. Airport Information Boards
In the airport, LED displays are used for a multitude of reasons, with these screens often functioning 24 hours a day. Screens in the airport are typically designed with a higher resolution for enhanced visibility, regardless of the time of day, with a pixel pitch ranging from 2-4mm.
These screens are equipped with brightness ranging from 4,000-7,000 nits. Airport LED screens are multifunctional devices that are utilized in a myriad of ways, including displaying flight status, gates, delays, and baggage. They also incorporate multilingual support in addition to interactive maps that allow passengers to navigate.
2. Railway Station information boards
Information boards in railways are typically LED displays with additional features for optimum functionality. These displays feature brightness ranging from 3,000-5,000 nits in addition to vibration-proof modules for increased stability. They typically have elevated refresh rates to minimize blurring, which often occurs on scrolling text.
Railway information boards are designed for a medium-range viewing distance, with a featured pitch ranging from 3-6mm. They are typically included in the network for timely updates. It is used to display information such as train schedules, platforms, and delays.
3. Highway Traffic Signs
Highway traffic LED signs are designed with very high brightness, ranging from 6,000-10,000 nits, to ensure that they are easily visible from a longer distance. They use a coarser pitch because of the more than 100m viewing distance, ranging between 8-16mm. Given the exposure to a harsh environment, these displays feature an IP65+ rating. This rating means that the display has proven against rain, dust, and fluctuating temperatures.
Information displayed on these signs includes: speed limits, warnings, and congestion. Some displays are solar-powered, allowing them to remain operational all through. This is especially advantageous for remote locations
4. Urban Traffic Signs
Urban traffic signs feature a higher brightness compared to the viewing distance to optimize visibility regardless of the time of day. Despite a viewing distance of 50m or less, the displays typically have 5,000-8,000 nits. The LED screens also have pitches ranging from 4-8mm, and the content displays are usually managed remotely.
The screens have a compact design as they are typically mounted on poles. Information displayed on these screens includes: signals and arrows
5. Government Announcements Screen
Government announcements are typically displayed on LED displays installed in or out of the buildings. They vary depending on location, but these units typically feature brightness of 4,000-6,000 nits with a pitch range between 3-6mm.
The displays are designed to be energy efficient and often designed with wide angles for maximum visibility. Government announcement screens come in handy in relaying information during emergencies. It can also be used to display any government announcement meant for public consumption.
6. City-center Public Announcement Screens
City centers experience a lot more traffic than any other locations, and displays at these locations usually have an elevated brightness of more than 5000 nits. The displays have 2.5-5mm pitches, which, combined with their elevated brightness, produce vibrant images that can easily draw the attention of the public.
The units are installed on modular video walls, which allow the display to be curved. It also allows for a higher contrast, ideal for an outdoor screen exposed to sunlight. Its anti-glare coating also enhances the viewing experience.
Advertising and Retail
7. Outdoor Digital Billboards
Digital billboards designed for outdoor applications are generally larger than other LED displays are they are viewed from longer distances. With a targeted viewing distance of over 50m, these boards often feature a brightness ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 nits. The billboards typically have 6-20mm pixel pitches, ideal for high-speed traffic.
Given their outdoor location, which increases their exposure to harsh elements, the units have an IP65+ weatherproofing. Their DIP or SMD modules are designed to withstand rain, sun, and wind.
8. Indoor Digital Signage
Indoor signs are protected from direct sunlight and have minimal exposure from artificial light, so the units feature a reduced brightness ranging from 1,000-3,000 nits. These screens feature a finer pitch ranging from 1.5-4mm and are typically found in common areas such as retail, lobbies, and offices.
Indoor LEDs often have seamless video walls that afford you wider angles and reduced refresh flicker. This makes it easier to update content as required.
9. Storefront LED Signs and Screens
Storefront displays are outside and are mostly unprotected, and as such, LED displays used for this application should be weatherproofed accordingly. These units typically feature a brightness ranging between 4,000-7,000 nits, allowing content to be visible during the day. They are also equipped with a pixel pitch ranging from 4 to 10mm.
Storefront LED displays have a modular design, which gives you more options in terms of the shape of the display. It also has an elevated contrast, allowing it to remain visible even at night. It also makes it user-friendly as it can be controlled remotely.
10. Shelf-edge LED Strips
Shelf edge LED strips are typically compact and narrow in design, with their thickness thinner than 10mm, allowing them to fit the edges of shelves, which typically have limited space.
Their pitch ranges between 0.5-2mm pitch and are typically used to display the cost of the product and product details. Given their small size and low pitch and brightness, these strips generally consume low power of under 20W/m.
11. Small Displays
Small displays are used for a wide range of uses, ranging from displaying the names of small shops, promotions, point of sales, and monitors. These screens usually measure less than a meter wide and are usually equipped with a high-pitch pixel index, which allows them to generate detailed images. Displays used for this application have a brightness of 1,000-4,000 nits
Events and Entertainment
12. Concert Backdrops
Concert backdrops require high-quality display, often categorized as rental-grade LED video walls. These superior LED displays feature an elevated refresh rate of over 3840Hz, enabling the continuous display of changing images without blurring. The displays have a 2.5-6mm pixel pitches, which creates vibrant displays.
Concert backdrop displays typically have a brightness of 1,000-6,000 nits. The displays are also designed using fire-resistant materials, as they are exposed to pyrotechnics included in the show. Lightweight die-cast aluminum cabinets that allow it to be quickly set up and can accommodate different shapes.
13. Theme-park Screens
Displays used in theme parks are designed to capture the attention of the park goers and advertise the different amusements for the amusement rides manufacturer, and as such are designed with an elevated brightness ranging between 5,000 and 8,000 nits. Given their outdoor location, these units have been weatherproofed with an IP65 rating. The units have a modular design that allows for scalability, with some being interactive to enhance the experience.
14. Nightclub
Nightclub displays have an elevated contrast of over 5000:1, which, when combined with 160° viewing angles, allows for a vibrant and easily visible display without being limited by the artificial lighting. The displays feature fine pitch ranging between 1.8-3.9mm and brightness ranging from 800-2,000 nits. They are available in a variety of shapes, which gives you room to select the most suitable one for your nightclub’s aesthetics.
15. Theater Visual Walls
Theater visual walls often utilize COB or MicroLED, which are equipped with an ultrafine pitch of less than 2.5mm, allowing you to create seamless, high-quality backdrops.
These displays are equipped with elevated black levels and color accuracy for easier operations, eliminating the need for manual manipulation. It also provides a finless display, which is especially ideal for the theater as it allows sound to be fully transmitted.
16. Exhibition Booth Displays
Exhibition booth displays are medium-sized units under ten meters in size, with a slim design with a thickness of under 80mm. These units feature portable pitch modules ranging from 2.5-4.8mm and are equipped with brightness ranging between 500-1,000 nits. Exhibition displays are designed to be quick and affordable, giving you uniformity in the display, giving your display a professional look.
Sports and Venues
17. Stadium Scoreboards
Scoreboards in stadiums are usually wide to ensure visibility from angles in the stadium, with units ranging from 10-30 feet wide. These displays are equipped with elevated brightness ranging from 5,000-8,000 nits, a refresh rate of over 3840Hz, and a pixel pitch of 4-10mm, offering clear and easily visible content from more than 100 meters away.
18. Perimeter Advertising Boards
Advertising boards installed around the perimeter of sports events or venues often utilize curved displays, pitch ranging from 6-12mm, and either soft or rigid modules depending on the application. They typically feature a brightness range between 4,500-7,000, which factors in both visibility from long distances and the safety of those close by.
19. Center-hung Arena Cubes
Displays suspended in the center of the arena are equipped with elevated brightness ideal for viewing from a long distance and a 360° view that is created by using a side panel. The units typically measure 10-20ft per face and are equipped with a pitch of 4-8mm and a high refresh rate. Center-hung displays are mainly used to display replays or advertisements.
20. Ribbon Boards
Ribbon boards utilize compact LED ribbons and are used to display advertisements, stats, and scores. The units have a pitch ranging between 4-10mm, a brightness of over 6000 nits, and wide angles to maximize the viewing experience despite the distance. It also features a modular design, which gives you more room to customize.
Corporate, Education, and Healthcare
21. Reception Screens
LED display screens used in the reception typically feature a fine pitch of 1.5-3mm and a brightness ranging between 500-1,000 nits. The unit size ranges from 43-65 inches and is installed at eye level for an easier viewing experience. They are used to display welcome messages, directions, brands, entertainment, or advertisements
22. Conference Room Video Walls
Conference displays feature 4k resolution in addition to wide viewing angles of 160°, for a clear and accessible viewing experience. The displays are designed with less than 2mm pitch and brightness ranging from 600-1,200 nits. They often feature wireless casting, which makes operating and using the displays easier, in addition to being installed.
23. Classroom Teaching
Displays in classrooms are typically 55-86 inches and are designed with 4K resolution panels that are interactive, allowing learners to have a more immersive learning experience. The units have a relatively lower brightness, ranging between 400-700 nits, with reduced glare and energy efficient, making them ideal for long-term use in classrooms.
24. Hospital Signage
Hospitals’ signs are mainly used to give directions, display wait time, patient number, alerts, and relevant information. These units are designed with a brightness ranging from 700-1,500 nits and a pitch of 2-4mm. They are also dust-proof with a rating of IP54 and HIPAA compliant.
Specialized and Creative Uses
25. Museum Information Panels
Panels used in museums have an ultrafine pitch of 1-2.5mm found in the COB LEDs. These units have a brightness of 800-1,500 nits, 16-bit grayscale, and a wide angle of 160°. They are fitted with anti-glare on the surface for ease in treading, even in dim lighting found in museums.
26. Science Center Interactive Exhibits
LED displays in science centers feature 2-4mm pitch, brightness of 1,000-3,000 nits, and an impressive refresh rate of 3,840Hz or higher. These displays are often interactive and equipped with touch relays or motion sensors to create an immersive learning experience.
27. Transparent LED Installations
With pixel pitch ranging between 3.9-10mm, brightness of 5,000 nits, and transparency ranging between 85-95% these screens are a great way of incorporating landmarks and physical views with digital information. The displays are lightweight and have a contrast of 9,000:1, allowing the text to remain visible without requiring an opaque background.
How to Choose an LED Display for Specific Applications
| Type | Pixel Pitch Range | Resolution (dots/sqm) | Ideal Applications |
| SMD Indoor | 1.5-3mm | 100,000 – 360,000 | · Lobbies · Video walls |
| DIP Outdoor | 6-16mm | 3,900- 22,500 | · Billboards · Stadiums |
| COB Fine-Pitch | Less than 2mm | More than 250,000 | · Conferences · Rentals |
| MicroLED | Less than 1mm | More than 1,000,000 | · Premium TVs · studios |
FAQs
What are the different types of LED Displays available?
- Surface-Mount Device
- Chip-on-Board
- Dual In-line Package
- MicroLED
What is the ideal pixel pitch for outdoor billboards?
The ideal pixel for billboards that are closer to consumers is 4-6mm; for higher boards that appear further away, 6-10mm is ideal.
Are LED displays weatherproofed?
Ratings such as IP65+ for dust-tight and water-resistant protection are often incorporated into units designed for outdoor applications.
How to determine the right size for your applications?
Viewing distance is the key factor that determines the appropriate size: a bigger screen with a high pixel pitch is ideal for long distances; conversely, a smaller screen with a lower pitch for short distances.
How durable are LED displays?
The durability varies depending on the type, with some units logging over 100,000 operational hours.
Should the environment be factored in when selecting an LED display?
Several environmental factors directly impact the functionality and durability of the LED, such as;
- Temperature range
- Humidity
- IP rating
JYLED is Your Trusted LED Display Manufacturer and Supplier in China
At JYLED, we specialize in manufacturing a wide range of LED displays for any business. Whether you are in the LED display rental business, learning institutions or advertising, we offer a wide range of solutions
You can choose from JYLED’s LED poster, car LED screen, stadium LED screen to concert LED screens, among many other options.
Partner with JYLED today for all your LED screen displays – Get a quote now.
